JCF Car Clinic, Kingston Upon Thames

I've had my car serviced here for several years. I've always been impressed by their friendly and professional approach. They communicate clearly and I trust their judgment. They helped me earlier this year with some short notice repairs after my car was stolen and recovered by the police. Recommended.

Was recommended JCF by a friend that used them for many years, so took car for an MOT with high hopes. Following my experience, I would not use JCF again. The MOT failed on 6 items, including 3 drop links, a suspension arm and a steering gaiter. I pointed out the suspension arm was brand new and fitted 2 weeks earlier by another mechanic. Their response was to say that they had stopped using that supplier because of substandard parts. Even when advised that I purchased a branded and boxed OEM part, they said the supplier puts cheap parts into different boxes!! Now I am talking about a very large national company, not Arthur Daley! So I took car away, purchased parts JCF recommended and called my regular mechanic that fitted the suspension arm. After testing it and showing me that there was no excess movement (as advised by JCF), they also showed me the gaiter and there was no split (as advised by JCF). The drop links were all also fine. So with no further work at all, took the car to another local garage and it passed with no problems, not even an advisory. Returned the parts to the supplier, who advised that JCF are a big customer and used them that very same day! They were also not happy about the slanderous comments from JCF about their company. So I have stuck to the facts. Draw your own conclusion.

Read with interest the other reviews and i have to say that I agree with Not All Good. I had the feeling from day 1 that they could do without my custom. But at first they were pleasant. I brought my VW into the garage with a faulty electronic handbrake. The handbrake caliper had got stuck on the wheel, cured by AA, and the AA had explained it could be the motor failing to rewind. Seemed logical. So I explained same to the garage. Ah no, they said, could be any number of issues - electronic, wiring etc. We need to diagnose. So they did, and after £100 and a computer reset, the garage said they couldn't find out the problem, and "try not to use the handbrake"! Unfortunately at a car wash, the cleaner pressed the button and hey presto, handbrake alarm and same problem. I went back to JCF today asking them to bear in my that i'd paid £100 for nothing, but could they now fix the problem. They treated me with complete disdain. I pay for their time / diagnosis. I told them that i really didn't expect the £100 bill for a computer reset without fixing the real cause. Why should the customer bear the cost of time when the garage fails to address the problem? Today i have been told it is the caliper, and it'll be £320. Reasonable price had they done this first time around, but no need for the arrogant attitude this morning when i mentioned that i'd paid £100 for nothing. I would not recommend this garage until they go on a customer training course.

I have just experienced excellent service - thank you JCF (I hope you like the chocolates!) I gave myself a flat tyre in my VW Touran and it was un-drivable, and the hole in the tyre was too big for the foam stuff you are supposed to use. I then discovered I had lost my locking wheel nut. JCF were already busy with booked in work, but still managed to recover my car from across Kingston, replace all the locking wheel nuts, fix my tyre and also fix the rear brake lamp for the princely sum of £163.20. They also phoned me three times during the day to keep me abreast of what was happening! Kwik Fit did kindly let me borrow all their locking wheel nuts (I suspect they lost it at my last puncture repair) but sadly they didn't fit (they do have a small selection if ever you need one). VW Twickenham were going to charge me £575 for four hours labour, plus another £60 for replacement locking wheel nuts - plus I would have to pay for the car to be towed there. No thank you VW Twickenham!!!!

Atrocious attitude. Was to carry out some major works to my vehicle, but when issues were pointed out to them which had been verified by two other mechanics (as it needed a workshop repair), they tested for the fault and were adamant that this fault was not present, I tried to explain that they may have missed it, and was met by a rude, arrogant and disrespectful response by the owner, I was speechless that he could be so rude! Anyway, the fault that was pointed out by the other two roadside mechanics, was present and needed fixing and the work went to another local garage as a result, they spotted it immediately and could not understand how JCF had missed it, as it was so apparently obvious. I understand that people make mistakes, but there was no need for that behaviour, and as a result I would not recommend this garage if you need to challenge them with the works that need doing, as they clearly do not like to be told!

I have used JCF Car Clinic for about 5 years for servicing and repairs. I have never had call to return any work undertaken. You will find they will give you an honest appraisal of the work needed and keep you updated. Their prices are competitive, you may get work done cheaper elsewhere but it won't be done as well or back up by their reputation etc. There are based at 242a Canbury Park Rd, Kingston upon Thames, Greater London KT2 6LG. There is a private road between 2 houses they are at the end. There is parking for about 12 cars and they have at least 5 work stations and an MOT bay. The owner has invested in modern technology and has all the main car diagnosis programs including BMW. They also do a competitive range of tyres or can with notice get specific tyres in for you. All in all a professional friendly and efficient garage. You really need to Book they are very busy and popular with repeat cutomers